Writing Otzi TEEL Paragraphs

Using Sources A, B and C and your own knowledge, explain how archaeologists and scientists have discovered the circumstances of Otzi’s death. [10 marks]

Using Sources A, B and C and your own knowledge, explain how archaeologists and scientists have discovered the circumstances of Otzi’s death. [10 marks]

Relate cause and effect; provide why and how

Events surrounding his death

What did scientists do in order to find out?

Need to include references to sources and my own knowledge

Two areas to cover – archaeologists and scientists

Otzi – all the

evidence

Stomach Contents

Headwound

Arrow in Shoulder

Copper Axe

Blood DNA

Handwound

ClothingPolypore Fungus

Tattoos

Tools

Backpack

Moss

Pollen

Otzi – circumstances

of his death

Stomach Contents

Headwound

Arrow in Shoulder

Copper Axe

Blood DNA

Handwound

ClothingPolypore Fungus

Tattoos

Tools

Backpack

Moss

Pollen

How discovered Evidence Explanation

Found at site in 1991 Axe Attacker may not have wanted to reveal his identity by appearing with this distinctive item

2001 X-Ray and 2005 CT Scan Arrow head Attacker from same cultural group shot him from behind

2005 CT scan Head wound Attacker delivered a final blow from close up

2002 Forensic study Hand wounds Had been fighting in days prior to death

2003 DNA testing DNA of blood stains Otzi shot 2 people, knifed 1, carried 1

Removed during 2011 autopsy Pollen Otzi moved up the mountains, then down, then back up – maybe felt he had evaded pursuers

Removed during 2011 autopsy Stomach contents Ate a large meal soon before his death – not feeling threatened

Using Sources A, B and C and your own knowledge, explain how archaeologists and scientists have discovered the circumstances of Otzi’s death. [10 marks]Since his discovery in 1991, archaeologists and scientists have used complex archaeological, forensic and medical imaging techniques to discover that Otzi’s death was violent and likely committed by someone he knew. Lying near his body was a copper axe, which would have been very valuable and a symbol of a leader. This initially led to speculation that he had been caught in a storm, but more likely was left by a murderer who knew Otzi but did not want to be connected to his death. Deep wounds were found on his hand and human blood with the DNA of four people was on his equipment. These suggest he was in combat in the period leading up to his death. X-rays and CT scans further indicate that his death was certainly not accidental, showing an arrow head pierced his shoulder and a severe head wound. As this latter must have been delivered from close range it is unlikely the attacker missed the axe. Typological analysis of the arrow head has shown it was from the same cultural group as Otzi. A 2011 analysis of the layers pollen in Otzi’s stomach showed that Otzi moved up the mountains, then down, then back up, suggesting someone on the run. However, the remains of a large meal in his final hours indicates he maybe felt he had evaded his pursuers. Taking the results of archaeological and forensic examination, it can be argued that Otzi was the victim of a violent leadership struggle which forced him to flee into the mountains where he was surprised and murdered.

Using Sources A, B and C and your own knowledge, explain how archaeologists and scientists have discovered the circumstances of Otzi’s death. [10 marks]Since his discovery in 1991, archaeologists and scientists have used complex archaeological, forensic and medical imaging techniques to discover that Otzi’s death was violent and likely committed by someone he knew. Lying near his body was a copper axe, which would have been very valuable and a symbol of a leader. This initially led to speculation that he had been caught in a storm, but more likely was left by a murderer who knew Otzi but did not want to be connected to his death. Deep wounds were found on his hand and human blood with the DNA of four people was on his equipment. These suggest he was in combat in the period leading up to his death. X-rays and CT scans further indicate that his death was certainly not accidental, showing an arrow head pierced his shoulder and a severe head wound. As this latter must have been delivered from close range it is unlikely the attacker missed the axe. Typological analysis of the arrow head has shown it was from the same cultural group as Otzi. A 2011 analysis of the layers pollen in Otzi’s stomach showed that Otzi moved up the mountains, then down, then back up, suggesting someone on the run. However, the remains of a large meal in his final hours indicates he maybe felt he had evaded his pursuers. Taking the results of archaeological and forensic examination, it can be argued that Otzi was the victim of a violent leadership struggle which forced him to flee into the mountains where he was surprised and murdered.